Blake Griffin soars over car to win slam dunk contest
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LOS ANGELES -- Blake Griffin soared over an automobile and into a new stratosphere on Saturday with an awe-inspiring performance to win the NBA's slam dunk contest.
The Los Angeles Clippers rookie, who has created a frenzy this season with highlight reel dunks, caught a pass out of the sunroof from team mate Baron Davis and threw down a two-handed dunk while a choir sang "I Believe I Can Fly" at midcourt.
"Just being out here and having the experience of something I watched growing up. To be able to be out here is great," the 21-year-old Griffin told reporters.
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Griffin entered the competition as the favorite to win but it was Washington Wizards high-flyer JaVale McGee who created the biggest buzz in the opening round.
The seven-footer (2.13m) used two baskets and then dunked with three basketballs during separate displays that earned him perfect scores from the judges.
But Blake prevailed in the final with a slam that saw him insert his forearm into the net and hang from the rim by his elbow before bringing the car onto the court.
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Earlier, Miami Heat sharpshooter James Jones crashed a Boston party by defeating Celtics team mates Ray Allen and Paul Pierce to win the three-point contest.
Golden State guard Stephen Curry outlasted Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook to claim the skills challenge, a mix of dribbling, shooting, layup, and passing drills.
(Editing by Frank Pingue)